Telescoping Rearview Camera with Stationary Lens and Flexible Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side view mirrors with cameras do not provide adequate visibility for vehicle operators when towing wide trailers or vehicles, as the camera remains stationary relative to the vehicle, limiting its range and effectiveness during telescoping movements.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping side mirror assembly with a camera positioned within the mirror head that remains stationary relative to the mirror base as the mirror head telescopes, featuring a flexible track to cover the camera lens aperture and maintain image capture across all positions, ensuring continuous visibility around towed vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is positioned in a stationary housing window while the mirror telescopes, then the camera remains stable and sealed, but the camera cannot capture images at different telescoping positions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two independent systems: a stationary camera mounting system and a telescoping mirror system. The camera remains fixed in the housing while the mirror assembly telescopes independently, allowing the camera to maintain a stable position while the mirror provides extended viewing angles at different telescoping positions.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens cover assembly acts as an intermediary between the stationary camera and the external environment. The lens cover includes an aperture that can be positioned to expose the lens, and a lens wiper that can clean the lens surface, mediating between the fixed camera and the varying external conditions during telescoping.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the camera is attached to the telescoping mirror head, then the camera can capture images at all telescoping positions, but the camera becomes exposed to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible lens cover (such as a flexible membrane or weather seal) is used to protect the camera lens while allowing it to remain exposed for image capture. This flexible covering protects against environmental factors like rain and dust while maintaining optical access.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens wiper assembly serves as a protective intermediary that can be deployed to shield the lens when not in use, and a lens cover that can be positioned to protect the aperture while allowing image capture when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the lens aperture is covered to protect the camera, then environmental exposure is reduced, but image capture is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The lens cover and aperture are designed as dynamic, movable components rather than fixed covers. The lens cover can be positioned to protect the lens or moved aside to allow image capture, and the aperture can be opened or closed as needed, providing dynamic control over both protection and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens wiper assembly acts as a mediator that can clean the lens surface without fully covering the aperture, maintaining both protection and image capture capability. The wiper can be deployed to clean the lens and then retracted, providing intermittent protection rather than continuous blocking.
Data Source
AI summary
A rear-view side mirror assembly includes a base for attachment to a vehicle, one or more support arms extending from the base, and a rearview housing attached to the support arm and configured for telescoping movement along the support arm. A camera is attached within the housing. In some cases, the camera is attached to the support arms so as to remain stationary relative to the mirror base and vehicle as the mirror head telescopes inward and outward. An elongated aperture in the mirror head housing ensures that the camera lens is not occluded as the mirror head telescopes between a retracted position and an extended position.